Pizza boxes: a common sight in households across the UK, and a frequent question mark for recycling programs. Can they be recycled, or are they destined for landfill?
The Good News: Pizza Boxes Can Be Recycled
Modern recycling facilities are generally equipped to handle pizza boxes with small amounts of grease and oil. The key message to communicate to residents is that most pizza boxes can be recycled. However, heavily soiled boxes or those containing leftover food are not recyclable. Clear guidance on this is essential for effective recycling programs.
The UK Recycling Landscape
The UK's paper and cardboard recycling rate stands at 73%, placing it 25th out of 30 European nations, below the European average of 82%. Furthermore, the UK household recycling rate has seen a decline, dropping from 44.6% in 2021 to 44.1% in 2022. Improving pizza box recycling rates can contribute to reversing this trend.]
What’s more, a recent DS Smith survey revealed that 27% of people didn't think pizza boxes could be recycled. This underscores the critical need for proactive and consistent communication from local authorities to dispel these myths and ensure residents understand the proper procedures. Clear messaging from local authorities is needed to ensure residents understand the recyclability of pizza boxes.
Why Recycle Pizza Boxes?
- Reduced Landfill Waste: Diverting pizza boxes from landfill or incineration directly reduces waste disposal costs for local authorities, freeing up resources for other essential services.
- Circular Economy Principles: Recycling keeps valuable fibre in circulation, decreasing the demand for virgin materials and promoting a more sustainable, circular economy.
- Environmental Stewardship: Encouraging pizza box recycling demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility and reduces the carbon footprint associated with waste management.
Guidance for Residents: A Simple Checklist for Recycling your Pizza Boxes
- Remove Leftover Food: Ensure all food scraps are removed.
- Assess Grease Levels: If the box is excessively greasy, tear off the affected portion and recycle the clean part.
- Flatten the Box: Flattening the box saves space in recycling bins and collection vehicles.
- Check Local Rules: Always refer to your local authority's recycling guidelines for specific instructions.
Working Together for Better Recycling
Clear communication and consistent messaging are vital for maximising pizza box recycling rates. By providing residents with simple, easy-to-follow guidelines, local authorities can significantly reduce waste and promote a more sustainable future. DS Smith is committed to supporting these efforts through continued research and innovation in recycling solutions.
*For further information on local recycling rules, please visit: gov.uk/recycling-collections *
